How to become a CFP in Canada

How do you become a CFP?

1. Finish a Fundamentals program and an Advanced program, at the FP Canada Institute or a recognized college or university.
2. Take the FP Canada Institute’s CFP Professional Education Program within four years of finishing the Advanced program. It has seven units, each with financial planning, human behaviour and professional responsibility sections.
3. Pass the CFP exam within four years of finishing the Professional Education Program.
4. Build three years of qualifying work experience, before or after the exam, within the eight years before you apply.
5. Hold a bachelor’s degree, or have ten years of qualifying experience.
6. Apply for certification within four years of passing the exam, and agree to FP Canada’s Standards of Professional Responsibility.

What counts as CFP work experience

• A year means a 35-hour week, full time, or the part-time equivalent of 1,750 hours.
• Part-time work counts if it’s relevant.
• Paid or unpaid student internships count if they add up to eight months and fall in the four years before you apply.
• Teaching recognized postsecondary financial planning courses counts for up to two years.
• Roles that support the client-planner relationship, and research on real, integrated planning situations, can count.

The part-time, internship, teaching and research rules took effect on June 1, 2026.